Anti-CD6 humanized monoclonal antibody itolizumab, halts disease progression and severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19 disease: A case study

Abstract

In COVID-19 patients, cytokine release syndrome plays a critical role in disease progression. Itolizumab inhibits T-cell proliferation and differentiation, thereby modulating imminent cytokine storm. Here, we report a case of a 44-year-old male patient with confirmed COVID-19 and oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 88% on room air. A chest X-ray revealed dense opacification. High levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin were observed. The patient's SpO2 decreased to 87% on day 4 despite the best supportive care. Itolizumab was then administered at 1.6 mg/kg along with high flow oxygen. The patient's SpO2 values improved to 95% and 97% on 4th- and 5th-day postinfusion, respectively. CRP and ferritin levels decreased by 85.96% and 24.48%, respectively, along with radiological improvement. The patient was discharged on the 7th day postinfusion in a clinically stable condition. This is the first report of an anti-CD6 humanized monoclonal antibody, itolizumab, given to a patient with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 disease that showed a reduction in hyperinflammation, leading to clinical and radiological improvement.

Keywords

• acute respiratory distress syndrome
• cd6
• covid-19
• cytokine storm
• hyperinflammation
• itolizumab